5
Jaden McDaniels Forward, Washington
15.0 Points, 5.1 Rebouds, 2.6 Assists, 1.2 Steals, 0.7 Blocks, 43% FG, 32% 3PT, 34 MPG
After a rocky start to the season, Jaden McDaniels is finally showing why he was considered a top NBA prospect going into the 2019 NCAA season. The beginning of his Washington campaign saw inconsistent scoring, which he has been able to correct.
Make no doubt about it: McDaniels will still be a project piece come Draft Night. However, what NBA scouts are looking for is constant improvement in him, and McDaniels has done exactly that to this point in the season. If he continues to do so, he will more than likely be a top-five pick in this draft.
McDaniels makes a lot of sense for the Cavaliers, as they simply cannot draft another guard in 2020. McDaniels could provide Cleveland with a bit of flexibility at the forward position, in that he can slide over to the three or four positions. If the Cavs (unwisely) decide to stick with Kevin Love, then McDaniels will be able to play small forward. If not, his combo forward ability will give Cleveland draft flexibility in the future.
Draft Stock Trend: +5
6
Deni Avdija Forward, Israel
1.8 Points, 1.7 Rebounds, 40% FG, 20% 3PT, 11 MPG
When Wizards fans take a look at this pick, they will probably be concerned with his statistical averages. The old saying “stats don’t always tell the story” is often times a euphemism for a player who isn’t all that great.
However, with Avdija, the numbers do not tell the story at all. Deni Avdija is an 18-year-old who plays in what is arguably the second best basketball league in the world. Standing at 6ft 9 inches tall, Avdija has great length at the small forward position. He is known to be a very solid passer and transition player, but his limited play doesn’t allow him to showcase that.
Washington’s plans for the future are very unclear, as the team seems to be adverse to the rebuilding concept. Rui Hachimura was a nice selection in 2019 and Bradley Beal is an elite player in the NBA, so going out and getting a wing seems to be a logical step for a “contending” franchise. Avdija may be a project piece, but this shouldn’t be an issue for the Wizards, as they are far from a championship window.
Avdija makes sense for D.C. whether they are trying to win basketball games or in tank mode.